Since They Last Played, the Lions Have Struggled

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When the Bears and the Lions last met, Detroit was reeling while Chicago was surging. The two teams have hit some bumps since that game in October.

What has happened to the Lions since then?

On Oct. 22, the Lions were already 2-3 and failing to meet the lofty expectations set for the team. Chicago won the low-scoring game, and things failed to improve for Detroit. They managed to pull out a win over Seattle, now playoff-bound, and the Jaguars before losing seven games in a row.

Losing isn't the only bit of drama to take over the Lions. Receiver Titus Young has spent much of the second half of the season inactive. He had several run-ins with coaches, and reportedly purposely lined up wrong to show his unhappiness.

Key Matchups: Chicago vs. Detroit

There was plenty of drama on the field, as well. Ndamukong Suh was voted the league's dirtiest player. He appeared to earn that title when he kicked Houston quarterback Matt Schaub in the crotch during the Lions' Thanksgiving loss to the Texans. Head coach Jim Schwartz aided in that loss by throwing a challenge when he wasn't allowed to, earning his team a penalty.

But it hasn't been all bad news for Detroit. Calvin Johnson was already considered the league's best receiver. He proved it by surpassing Jerry Rice's single-season receiving record. His 1,892 yards have been one of the bright spots for Detroit in a dismal season.